|
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| Jiaogulan
is sometimes called Southern Ginseng since it grows in south central
china and because of its similarity to ginseng in chemical composition
and function. |
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| In
the late 1970s Japanese scientists began discovering Jiaogulan's illness-prevention
and therapeutic qualities. What they uncovered was a herb very similar
in quality to ginseng, yet in some ways superior. They found Jiaogulan
to function as both an adaptogenic herb and as an antioxidant herb,
containing many health-giving saponins (chemical compounds having
a soapy characteristic), as well as trace materials, amino acids,
proteins and vitamins. |
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| Jiaogulan
contains a large quality of these saponins, known also as gypenosides.
The structure of gypenosides is very similar to the panaxosides (also
known as ginsenosides) found in ginseng. There are three times as
many saponins in Jiaogulan as there are in ginseng. This greater number
of saponins than ginseng, translates into a more powerful regulatory
effect on a number of bodily systems, such as blood pressure, the
reproductive system, the digestive system, the immune system and mental
functions. |
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| Scientific
research studies have shown that Jiaogulan decreases cholesterol by
improving the liver's ability to send sugar and carbohydrates to the
muscles for conversion to energy, instead of turning the sugar into
triglycerides which the body stores as fat. It lowers LDLs (bad cholesterol)
while raising HDLs (good cholesterol). It improves fat metabolism,
reduces fat levels and depresses lipid peroxide and fat sediment in
the blood vessels. |
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| While
it is great for rectifying high cholesterol and obesity problems,
Jiaogulan can also improve and strengthen the digestion, allowing
an underweight person to increase absorption of nutrients and gain
weight in the form of lean muscle mass. This regulatory effect on
bodily functions is the hallmark of an adaptogen. |
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| A
study at Guiyang Medical College in China has shown that a Jiaogulan
tonic increased strength and endurance in the body. Considering all
this, Jiaogulan may become the perfect herb for anyone who wants to
improve their competitive edge in any field of athletic performance.
|
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| Adaptogenic
functions are demonstrated in Jiaogulan's biphasic effects on brain
functions, which energise or calm the system, depending upon the body's
need. Jiaogulan also aids the regulation of hormonal functions in
both men and women. The healthy maintenance of these physiological
actions plays a major role in the body's ability to cope with stress.
Jiaogulan has also shown its effectiveness, in clinical research studies,
in helping the body resist depression of the immune system and other
stress-related symptoms. It increases the production of Lymphocytes,
Phagocytes and serum IgG, but not to excess. Jiaogulan has also demonstrated
anti-inflammatory activities through its many saponins. Furthermore,
there are other clinical research studies, which indicate Jiaogulan's
ability to reduce tumours. It can even lower high blood pressure.
|
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| In
China, Jiaogulan is praised as the HERB OF IMMORTALITY, due to its
many health giving qualities and anti-aging effects. |
